Amalfi Attractions
The seaside resort of Amalfi lies on the south coast of the Sorrento peninsula at the northern edge of the Gulf of Salerno - at the mouth of a deep gorge. Amalfi is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Italy, particularly favored by the people of Naples.
History
According to legend Amalfi was founded by Constantine the Great. During the Middle Ages it was an independent state with a population of some 50,000, ruled by self-appointed dukes who later became hereditary. In 1077 the town was incorporated by Robert Guiscard in the Norman kingdom; through its active trade with the Orient it rose to influence and wealth. As a sea power Amalfi came into conflict with Pisa and Genoa. Amalfi's code of maritime law (Tabulae Amalfitanae) prevailed throughout the whole of the Italian Mediterranean from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
History
According to legend Amalfi was founded by Constantine the Great. During the Middle Ages it was an independent state with a population of some 50,000, ruled by self-appointed dukes who later became hereditary. In 1077 the town was incorporated by Robert Guiscard in the Norman kingdom; through its active trade with the Orient it rose to influence and wealth. As a sea power Amalfi came into conflict with Pisa and Genoa. Amalfi's code of maritime law (Tabulae Amalfitanae) prevailed throughout the whole of the Italian Mediterranean from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
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Harbor (Municipal Museum)
From the Amalfie harbor at the Marina Grande, visitors will find ferry services to Naples and surrounding islands. Nearby, the Municipal Museum, housed in the town hall, contains an important medieval document known as the Tavole amalfitane.
Capuchin Monastery
About 500m/550yd west of the cathedral, high above Amalfi (also reached by lift from the coast road), is the former Capuchin monastery (now a hotel) with a beautiful cloister and affording fine views.
Amalfi Surroundings
Emerald Cave
There is an attractive trip by motorboat (15 minutes) to a stalactitic cave, the Grotta di Amalfi, also known as the Grotta dello Smeraldo or Grotta Verde, west of the Capo Conca (fee).
Emerald Cave became a marine cave as a result of changing ground levels due to the influence of vocanoes in the region. The water is so clear that it is possible to see through to the bottom (10m below), and is colored a beautiful emerald.
Emerald Cave became a marine cave as a result of changing ground levels due to the influence of vocanoes in the region. The water is so clear that it is possible to see through to the bottom (10m below), and is colored a beautiful emerald.
Atrani, Italy
On the coast road, beyond the Capo di Amalfi, at the mouth of a gorge of the Dragone, is the little town of Atrani (12m/40ft). In the Piazza is the church of San Salvatore de' Bireto (10th century), the church where the doges of Amalfi were crowned. Its Byzantine bronze doors were cast in Constantinople in 1087.
Cetara, Italy
Cetara (15m/50ft) is a fishing village picturesquely situated in a deep ravine which was the first settlement established by the Saracens.
Maiori, Italy
Maiori (15m/50ft; pop. 6,000), a popular resort at the mouth of the Tramonti valley. On the coast near the town are a sulfur spring and a number of stalactitic caves, including the Grotta Pandona, which resembles the Blue Grotto on Capri.
Minori
Minori, once the arsenal of Amalfi has a Roman villa (A.D. first century) with well-preserved wall paintings.
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